Perfect Pair!!!

7 Month Old Foodie!!!!

2013-01-17T13:41:00.000-06:00

Yes!!!!!!!!! Michael IS a foodie at 7 months old. I use to think our boys as babies were the exception because they would eat ANYTHING we put in front of them. Even as young children they would eat vegetables and salads. But, I guess they were not as exceptional as I thought....This brings me to Michael......HE EATS EVERYTHING!!!! Brandon and Katie feed him off of the family dinner table which is fresh foods and all organic. His favorite foods are greek yogurt, avocados, blueberries, sweet potatoes and anything else you put in front of him. So thankful he loves GOOD food. Sorry they're blurry.....feeding and taking photos all at the same time on IPhone :-)

Please feel free to leave comments or advice...I can use all I can get :-)

Little Boy Teething = Alot Of Cuddle Time For Gigi

2013-01-16T12:46:00.001-06:00

I have had the pleasure of staying this week with our daughter-in-law to help her care for Michael while Brandon, our son is out of town. I will be going back home (30 miles away) Thursday night which is when Brandon gets back in town. I keep Michael every Tuesday and Thursday but being he didnt feel well Katie didnt want to send him to daycare. She is really lucky that the school she teaches at has on sight daycare.
Michael is trying to cut his second tooth. His nose is running like a faucet and his head is stuffy so therefore he is not sleeping very well and is a little cranky. So, it's Gigi to the rescue!!! Ok...maybe not rescue but certainly Gigi is ready to give alot of cuddle time.
I know I have spoken on it before but, I am so thankful that Katie and I have such a relaxed relationship that she nor I even think twice about spending time together without Brandon. Who knows.... it's probably not unusual for mother-in-laws and daughter-in-laws to really get along great, it's just the media that likes to portray it as a bad mixture so it's the image we all tend to think of.
So...last night was.....our girls night without the men, which = watching some show she watches called "Catfish" on MTV, The Bachelor and JUNK FOOD. I have to say I didnt know what to expect from a show called "Catfish" but OMG!!!!! I feel so sad for the guy that was featured in the episode we watched. We ate chicken salad with cheese puffs and fresh baked cookies with a tall glass or two of milk and a large dose of giving our opinion on each of the girls bidding for the bachelor's love (ok more like lust)......can you say HEAVEN?!? Such a fun and relaxing night.
I am just hoping that tooth breaks through soon so this little man can feel better. I have to say though, I will take a runny nose over a screaming teething baby any day!
I snapped a photo of Jager and Michael at Michael's bedroom window this morning. I think it is so sweet what great buds these two already are.

Michael is 7 months old and is already starting to walk up and down furniture. He sometimes forgets to hold on and will actually balance himself.

Michael and Jager plotting their next adventure.

Who Wants A Quickie???

2012-09-20T00:24:00.001-05:00

I thought that might get your attention!!!!!! What I meant to say, well not meant but "should" have said was.....

Here's a quick peek at a great photo of Michael playing with his daddy.
Katie posted this photo of Michael and Brandon playing and laughing today. Today was Brandon's day to keep Michael while Katie worked. She teaches 4th grade and Brandon is a firefighter. He watches him on his days off. Tomorrow is my day to keep him. My days are the days they BOTH work.
Katie's caption on Facebook under this picture said "There's nothing better than hearing your two favorite boys laugh and play together!"
Well.....I have to disagree......for me.....I say "There's nothing better than hearing your son play and laugh with his son just like his daddy use to do with him!" When I watch Brandon as a father to Michael it is like re-living when our boys were babies. I see so much of James (my husband) in Brandon and the way he loves, acts, cares for and plays with Michael and that warms my heart. I think James was training our boys to be dare devils and Brandon is following in the same training for Michael :-)
I loved this picture so much I just had to share.
What is your "There's nothing better than?" I cant wait to read them......
Blessings,
Gina

Gigi's FIRST Grandparents Day!

2012-09-13T11:20:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday was my first Grandparents Day and Michael's first time to our church....Both of those first I loved celebrating. Katie, Brandon, Michael, Katie's parents, her grandma and of course James and myself all went to Sunday service. As I was sitting there during praise and worship I couldn't help but to smile. Just having the family together and worshiping together completely filled my heart. I stood there wishing it could be this way every week but know it cant. Each person there has their own church that they love. I just really appreciate Katie working the day out and suggesting everyone spending the day together and going to church together. This was the gift she gave to the grandparents. I could not have loved anything any more!!! Precious.. I truly appreciate her and feel very thankful Brandon chose her to become part of our family.

We all went and filled our bellies for lunch and then headed back to our house for family pictures to celebrate the first Grandparents Day for us and Katie's parents.

Here are just a few of the 60+ pictures taken that day....Yes, I am the Gigi with the camera in hand ALWAYS....Trust me, I catch alot of flack. I often remind them "someday" they will be glad they have all of the pictures.

Can you see the JOY in my face?????

They had no clue I was taking this picture of them looking at each other

This is Katie's family...her dad, mom and Bunny (her grandma)

LOVE this picture......Me (Gigi), Sheri (She-She) and of course Michael. I am so thankful Michael will see that we are truly ONE family. I feel bad for those that don't have this kind of relationship with their Daughter-in-laws or her family. I hope Michael sees it as a blessing.

Another exciting weekend coming up....My parents are coming into town and will be seeing Michael for the first time since he was 1 day old. They are beside themselves with excitement. Mom has already told us all "hand off" when it comes to Michael. She is refusing to share!!!

I cant wait to share the visit with you all.

Labor Day....No Labor Involved

2012-09-04T13:45:00.001-05:00

What a great weekend! No, we did not spend it with blood family, but chose to spend it with friends that are chosen family. We went to a great water hole here in the Austin area. We started out on the motorcycles not knowing exactly where we would end up but chose to pack the swim suites just in case it included water. Being that it was over 100 degrees, we knew there would be a pretty good chance of getting wet somewhere.

This swimming hole had rope swings, cliff jumping, a water cave for exploring and of course just relaxing. The water was so refreshing being that it is spring fed. We are planning a trip for later in the month to celebrate my birthday but this time include more friends and family. It is such a great place to make memories. We spoke with some that have been going to this area for generations. I am thinking it will be once of our new places to be able to make that claim also.
It was a great time with friends but James and I kept finding ourselves talking about how much fun the kids would be having if they were there with us.

Yes, we love our times alone and without the kids and new grandbaby but we also LOVE sharing fun, new and exciting things we find with them. I have to say we are both at our happiest when we are surrounded by our family.
Dont get me wrong... we also manage to sneak away for our private moments and times together, but the glory in it is that we can then in a flash be right back with everyone and enjoying the laughter that seems to always fill the air when we are all together.

To Sew....Not To Sew?!?!?

2012-09-01T20:54:00.000-05:00

So, when I found out that Katie and Brandon were giving us our first grand baby I thought...."OH NO, I dont know how to sew!" All grandma's (Gigi's) know how to sew, right???? I mean I had sewn before but nothing straight and nothing that I did not have to rig and hide oopps on. In comes Pinterest and my life has never been the same. Addiction!!! If anyone knows of a Pinterest Anonymous in Austin area please let me know. I have stayed up until 5:00AM looking, planning, becoming VERY ambitious and getting excited over all the fun stuff. I found myself say..."puhhh, that cant be that hard." Well, let's just say..I have had alot of items not come out looking like they did on my board I pinned the idea to. What I have started becoming pretty successful at is machine embroidering. Yes, I went and bought a new machine because I keep thinking how much money I was going to be able to save on gifts and stuff for the baby. WRONG!!!!! The supplies are not cheap and again....I became addicted to all of the designs and ideas I kept coming across.

I decided to start of small and so burp cloths. I mean, how hard could that really be??? Well let me just say the first one from start to finish took about 7 HOURS! I was up until 4 in the morning finishing it. When I finally finish I have to say I loved it. The next morning I began working on the rests I would give Katie as a shower gift. And here is what I ended up with.....

I have gone completely crazy!!!! Since then I have made him several onsies and blankets. Not to mention gifts for other babies coming soon. I am actually thinking of making them for a little extra money on a small scale. I am hoping to start taking sewing classes....notice I said "thinking"?

Here are a few of the other project I have completed since May.

Katie our daughter in law had asked for me to make these for a shower she was going to for a friend.

These are just 2 of the shirts out of several that I had made for Michael. I also made the blankets.
The one picture cracks me up....He looks like he had had enough of the picture taking......

A Family Grows By One....

2012-08-31T17:34:00.001-05:00

This is Michael's Nursery. I had so much fun working on it with Katie and Brandon. Katie asked me to make the curtains, wall information board and to help decorate and hang stuff on the wall. She, Brandon and I spent a day hanging all the pictures and trying to get everything just right for Michael. She and Brandon did a great job on painting the walls one afternoon. They went with a light gray and one accent wall is a darker gray. The two of them LOVE Yankee Baseball. I know...they both were born and raised in Texas..go figure. Brandon and Katie actually go to New York to go to the games and are VERY excited about Michael's first Yankee game live. So needless to say when it came time to decorate Michael's room, there was no question what theme they would draw off of.......Vintage Baseball....
I think Katie and Brandon did such a great job in picking out everything. I especially love the word wall. We all decided that since they will be moving to a new home soon that they wanted to be able to take the word wall with them. We put our heads together and decided that we would put the vinyl letters on a painted canvas to match the rest of the nursery. We LOVE the fact that it is now able to travel with them unlike when you put the wording or letters directly on the wall. This can now be a forever keepsake.
It is so fun....when Michael is in his room he just smiles and looks at everything....I think he approves :-)
Blessings,

Michael's Gigi

Proof this sweet boy LOVES his room

Playing Catch up... and making a confession....

2012-08-31T16:29:00.001-05:00

So, you all saw my update on the baby shower and the birth of our first Grand baby Michael..
I have to say that I never expected to feel some of the feelings that I have experienced. Some good and honestly some not so good. Let me just get honest for a minute. You see, we all live including Katie's parents within 20 miles of each other and to be honest I struggled in the beginning with jealousy... I had a fear that Katie's family would get alot more time with Michael and get to be more involved in his life than we would. Just from the aspect of girls usually stay really close to their families even after getting married. Katie is no except to that...she is very close to her family, they talk daily and usually when Brandon is at work she goes and stays with them (before Michael). I honestly wouldnt have wanted a girl in my son's life that wasnt close to her family being that we too are very close to our boys. In fact....that is exactly what I prayed for for many years. I early on (first 2 weeks) worried that Michael would know them better and be closer to them. I worried that he would be spending all of the special holidays with them and we would get the left overs. I KNOW IM CRAZY, RIGHT...... But like I said, I was experiencing a jealousy I didnt see coming especially since we are all very close. Well, let me just clear it up right now....it has NOT happened. I got myself all worked up for NOTHING. I hate when I do that. Katie has done a GREAT job keeping everyone really involved. I think it really helps that we all get along so well so therefore we celebrate and spend many weekends together. It has nothing to do with me getting "my" time or even holding him, it is really just about getting to share his life.
As I sit here I keep thinking about deleting this post because I feel so ashamed and ugly that I could have even allowed myself to go there.
I guess why I am wanting to write about it is because I want to remind myself and maybe even help someone else to realize not to get mad or emotional over the "what if's". Relationships can be damaged by this action. Words that can never be taken back can be said and wounds are
I have found that 90% of the time the "what if" never even happens or if it does it's not in a negative way.

I have to remind myself that God did give the ability to exercise self control and I can choose how or when I react to a situation.
Michael is actually VERY BLESSED due to the fact he is VERY loved and we as a family (both sides) adore him AND each other. I honestly would not want it any other way than the way it is and will be.
Can I have permission to chucking all those feelings up to menopause????? Hormones???? Ok....just please give me grace and a pass.....(as I chuckle out loud!!!)

Here are a few of Michael's 1st so far..

Brandon & Michael's 1st Father's Day - Brandon & Katie's house for a cookout...Both sides of the family were able to celebrate together.

Michael's 1st Swim Party

Michael's 1st 4th of July - Katie's mom and dad's house

A few pictures from Michael's new born picture session

Feel free to leave your comments or wisdom below.....

Blessing,
Gina

I know....Once again I say it.....Wow time has flown by

2012-08-26T19:04:00.000-05:00

So I had promised during my last post I was going to do better about staying on top of my blog.....as you can see, I failed miserably!!!!
I have no clue where to even begin.......Grab a cup of coffee this is going to take awhile....A lot has happened with a ton of pictures......
My last post spoke of planning our son and daughter-in-laws baby shower for Michael, let me just say it was a HUGE success!!! We had so much fun! It was a baseball theme couples shower. All decorations were home made and we had approximately 50 people. Some of the games were bottle chug'n contest....lets just say we were in the presence of a lot of cheater!!! How fair is it when you bite the nipple off?!?!? May not have been fair but it was still fun. We also did a neighborhood scavenger hunt, we live in the historic downtown area of Georgetown. I have to say that all of our neighbors were so good and helpful with this game. Who seriously has a gas receipt for .50 ????? We also played a game where you had to partner up with you significant other, both be blind folded and dress each other in baby items....Now this was a blast to watch!!!!!! Brandon & Katie, the new parents to be came in last place...yes, we were all a little worried about their parenthood success :-)
I have to say I have NEVER seen such generosity from a group of 20 year old's including the single men. Some of the gifts they received completely overwhelmed both me and them. They are truly a blessed couple.

This couple is now engaged!!!!!!!!

Yes above is te new momma and daddy to be......they were struggling......

This is left to right...Kevin (my brother), Jennifer (someday sister-in-law), Whitney (Blake's GF), Blake (our youngest son), Katie (our daughter-in-law) and Brandon (oldest son)

Gigi (me) & She-she (Katie's mom)

Great-Grandmas

Jamie and I in our new Paw-Paw & Gigi shirts....

AND............This couple is now engaged!!!!!!

Great Grandpa & soon to be Uncle Blake

LOVED their new BOB stroller.....

Now we come to the best announcement to date......MICHAEL FINALLY ARRIVED!!!
Katie was scheduled for an induction. We all arrived at the hospital by 7:00am 12 hours later we still had no baby and things were not progressing. The Dr decided to go ahead and do a C-Section....We were all a ball of nerves but in the end we were so glad that decisions was made. Mr Michael was not coming on his own. Once in there it was discovered that he was facing the wrong direction. It really didnt matter how he got here, just that he did!!!! He was and is absolutely perfect!!!!!
He was born on May 29th weighing in at 7lb 12.5 oz and 19 1/2" long.
I have to say it was ONE of the best days of my life next to my own children being born. It is really cool though watching your child become a dad. My heart could not have been any fuller.

Yep....at this point we were STILL waiting

Labor just exhausted Brandon :-)

Yes....My boys and husband have always had to mess with "everything" while in Dr office or hospital....Did I mention Brandon is a Firefighter / EMT......

He contractions early on

Katie wanted all of us in her labor room with her so she would not feel left out miss out on the fun. Blake (our youngest son) and I are playing war and he thinks he is winning

Da (Kaite's dad) and PawPaw James evaluating the monitor....Trust me they "thought" they knew what they were doing....NOT

Now it is Uncle Blake and Great Grandpa Roy giving their 2 cents worth of opinion

Blake giving Katie an update, did I mention he has never been married or had a child??? lol

The news came that a C Section had to be done

Here we all are waiting..........

OUR FIRST LOOK AT MICHAEL!!!!!

Brandon in the nursery holding Michael right after he was born.

Sweet momma Katie....She did such a GREAT job delivering our precious gift.

My (Gigi) first time to hold him.....Heaven......absolutely in Heaven!

Pawpaw James' first time to hold him. Didnt think he was ever going to give him up.

Next morning....Pawpaw James and Brandon changing a diaper

Brandon acted as if he had years of experience. I am so proud of him.

Yep you guessed it.....PawPaw James got pee'd on....He was the first of many :-)

Michael - a little less than 24 hours old...Can you all see just how perfect he is?

This is such a sweet picture of Brandon and Katie love'n on their new baby boy.

Katie and Brandon came to visit when. Michael at this point is 1 week old....She was one tired momma.

I will continue updating tomorrow. Im sure you all are absolutely bored by now...

Oh..... I have learned to machine embroidery and sew. I will be adding some of my creations also.... I am seriously considering making a little extra money selling custom items. Here's a sneak preview:

Thanks for taking the time to share in our family....

Blessings,

Gina

Wow!!!!!! Time flies!!!!

2012-03-02T03:02:00.000-06:00

I cant believe that I have not posted since Nov. So much has been going on. Mainly....I have been helping plan our daughter-in-laws baby shower. As with anything else I cant just put a few things out for a party...no...I have to go over board!!! I cant wait to get to post all the stuff. All of the hostess have agreed to keep Katie in the dark about what we are doing as far as the shower.
Here is one of our planning parties..I love these girls so much!!!!! The shower invites go out tomorrow so I will at least be able to post those soon. The shower will be on March 31st.

And of course while we are talking about Katie and her shower I will take a moment to brag just a bit on her. Here is her picture from this weeks blog post (hers). She is 28 weeks and absolutely adorable!!!!!!!!! She is so happy and has had such an easy pregnancy. She says she cant wait to do it again :-)

Brandon has not missed one Dr's appointment. He is so excited and so encouraging to Katie. She says he has been "THE SWEETEST" man!!!
Our family is so excited that we all have a hard time keeping our hands off her belly. Thank God she doesnt mind. We make she and Michael, by the way...that's his name, perform for friends and family. Here is one of our typical weekend nights.

I also made the bed set for the nursery at our house. I have not finished the quilt yet. I still need to embroidery a portion of it. OH YEAH...I also got a new embroidery machine.....All I can say is FUN FUN FUN!!!!! Several nights I have been up until 5:00am playing with it.

We went to see my brother and his family this weekend. I made all three kids blankets and embroidered their names and fun little things on each. I forgot to take a picture. Hopefully I can get one from him so I can post. I hear the kids have carried them to Nana's house and slept with them each night. I'm so glad they are enjoying them. Well...here it is AGAIN 3:00AM. I really MUST stop pulling these all nighters. Good night friends.

This is the fabric I am using for the bed set

Thanksgiving filled with Family....

2011-12-06T16:07:00.004-06:00

We had a GREAT Thanksgiving this year. I again cooked for the family. Katie and Baby "E" definitely enjoyed the feast. Katie is so adorable. Her little 5'1" frame looks so cute and sweet with that little "bump" finally poking out there. She and Brandon are actually at the Dr's today for her 16 week check up. He has yet to miss an appointment. I am so proud to see him being so excited and involved. The pictures I am posting are from Thanksgiving and her "bump" picture is actually a week old now. But you can see for yourself....she is absolutely adorable!!!!!!
I LOVE our family picture we snapped out of the front porch. It will be one of the pictures included on our Christmas cards.
Speaking of Christmas......I am struggling to get in to the mood to decorate....not in the Christmas Spirit of buying gifts, but decorate. I have NEVER struggled like this before. Maybe because this will be the first year in 15 years that I am not hosting Christmas at our house. Not really sure but hope the decorating spirit moves soon.
I hope you all are not in the rut that I appear to be in. I hope your homes are filled with decorations and festivities. Most of all I pray your home is filled with LOVE.

Please feel free to visit her weekly blog also....... http://www.babyeubank.blogspot.com/

It's official....I'm Going To Be A GiGi!!!!!!!

2011-11-15T00:03:00.001-06:00

Well, our gag order has been lifted and I am now allowed to shout it from the roof tops.........We are expecting our FIRST grand baby!!!!!!!! We are so excited! I am including the link to Baby Eubank's website Katie has set up for anyone interested in following. Click here for Baby Eubank website
Katie and Brandon invited us parents and Blake, our youngest son and Whitney, his girlfriend to dinner. When Sheri, Katie's mom and I opened our menu we found a sonogram picture of Baby Eubank inside the menu. What a great and joyous night that was. I think we have all been floating on a cloud since that night. I am hoping to be called GiGi since my other choice is already taken. I came up with that name because it is my first initial and my middle name initial, "Gina Gayle."
Now....not only are we learning how to be parents to adult children, learning how to be great in-laws but NOW we are having to add learning how to be WONDERFUL grand-parents to this journey in our lives. Wow......I need all the prayers I can get!!!! Lesson one.....Love my God, husband, children, their spouses and our grand-children with ALL of our hearts.....and pray.............

The night Brandon and Katie told us at dinner

12 Week check up sonogram....

Katie's first posting on Baby Eubank's site.....

Our Family Has Expanded!!!!

2011-10-31T21:42:00.001-05:00

What a great day that happened a year ago last July 10th. I know, I am a little slow at posting it, but better late than never.... :-) Trust me...."New" news will be coming soon!!!!
All of the planning for the last year and a half had come to an end. We were finally able to enjoy the fruits of our hard work. We were on a budget and chose to do 99% of the wedding our selves including the invites, out of town guest bags, center pieces, programs etc. Wow...it was a lot of work but at the same time it saved us a TON of money. Had we not done so much our selves we have estimated that it would have been around $60,000+.
I made this album to celebrate Brandon & Katie's big day.
Where the pictures are of them at the front of the church, I was able to insert their exact vows, prayers, and blessings. On the Best Man & Father of the Bride Toast, again, I put the exact toast for them to remember always. Special times between parents and bride and groom have special poems. My goal on this album was to make it to where they can relive their big day over and over with all the special details. I also hope that their children, my grandchildren, will be able to experience what a special day it was.

I hope you enjoy!

Brandon & Katelyn's Wedding |

When Selfishness, Pride and Money Divides People

2011-02-24T12:54:00.005-06:00

Some people are so miserable, bitter, greedy and so hateful that even their own family members don't come around or like to be around them. That is so sad because eventually they will be completely alone. Bitterness and a harden heart are hard "roots" to cut. I wish they could realize whatever you sow into lives you will reap. It must be sooo exhausting to have such turmoil constantly brewing in your spirit. I see no love in these people other than for themselves.

When families fight over inheritance and power....do they not realize that honestly the money is NOT theirs nor does it "belong" to them? It is a "Gift" from a loved one and not "owed." And the power is only for a short time. Families have been destroyed because of this which again I feel is a result of greed, self centered and entitlement. When I look around it looks to me like so many are only concerned about "what's in it for me" or making sure one person doesn't get more than another or even belittling each other. Really?????

This behavior seems to cross all lines of race, origin, wealthy or poor. I am heard of and seen people that have fought each other over very little money. I have experienced and seen people that like to throw their authority around and boast about who they are.

I am sure this has gone on for centuries. It makes me think...when did we as people get so far off the beaten path. I have watch money divide my own family to where there is no relationship what so ever now over money and perception of a situation. Now those people are gone and it can never be mended. So sad and what a loss for future generations.

It makes me wonder what God himself has said to these people when they came face to face. I am sure he must be so disappointed on many levels. What will he say when you and I get there? Have we made him proud or sickened him by our foolishness and childish behaviors.

Have we honored our friends and family that have passed on by our behavior after they left this world? I wonder what has happened in the past that has made it a realization of all those that are put in nursing homes and forgotten about, mental wards, or living on the streets? Where did it all go wrong with them and their families?

Yes, money "can" be the root of all evil if that is the god you are serving.

In case I haven't said it enough....

I LOVE and am so thankful for my husband, Brandon, Katie, Blake, Whitney, mom, dad, Kevin, Shay, Jennifer, Deanna, Braden, Sheri, David, and my many close friends who are like family to me. I wouldn't want to walk my journey of life without anyone of you.
I am truly blessed.

1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
Proverbs 28:25
The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.
Luke 12:15
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Proverbs 17:25
A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him.
Ephesians 4:30-32
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Psalm 10:3
He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.
Proverbs 18:1
An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
James 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

Men...what example do they exhibit to our sons? What is a real man?

2011-02-17T15:13:00.001-06:00

I came across this question today and found it interesting. I guess it depends on who you ask.
Over the years I have seen my "MAN" change. When we were young he was short tempered, full of pride, and felt no one but him had the right answers. Over time through life experiences and him being in the word much more, he has changed. He now according to Titus 2:2, 6-8 is now a "real man." Dont get me wrong he does slipped back into that "boy" stage every once in a while, but, his desire is to be as Titus teaches.
I dont want to say that I have "regrets" raising our boys even though we made A LOT of mistakes. I look at those mistakes as a time of teaching our children about asking forgiveness, giving forgiveness, humility, and not to take yourself too serious all the time. But....I do wish that this verse would have been more of a driving force in our household and example when they were young. Thank God it is never to late to be that example and admit you didn't know it all when we were raising our children. Start NOW....Even though ours are adults, and even if they dont want to admit it, they do still on some level watch and listen to us (their father) for direction and wisdom.
And when it becomes time for us to become Mimi and grandpa (he has not clue what he wants to be called) he and we will again get the chance to model this truth to a new generation.
So stop and think...
"What is a "Real Man" society tells us what they feel is a real man. Funny thing is......it doesn't resemble what Titus speaks of at all.
Girls....as you are looking for your life time mate....use this scripture and ask yourself if he is what you and your future children need and desire. Dont go in hoping to change them or them change on their own. That is a disaster waiting to happen.

Picture taken at our oldest son's wedding. I have to say I am SO proud of how they turned
out, knowing it was not because of who we were but because of who HE is.

Titus 2:2, 6-8 says:

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is... good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

"So, according to these verses, what characteristics should a man possess?

1. Temperate A real man is able to control his emotions. He does not let anger, frustration, or any other emotion get the best of him. He controls his emotions, his emotions do not control him. Let it be noted that this does not by any stretch of the imagination mean a man should be emotion-LESS. It simply means that a man's emotions should not control how he acts.

2. Worthy of respect Simply put, a real man should show Christlike character. People should look at him as someone of good character and reputation.

3. Self-controlled This goes hand in hand with temperance. While temperance means that a man controls his emotions, self-control simply means that a man controls his actions.

4. Sound in faith A real man knows what he believes and does not compromise that. A real man has a firm foundation in God and His Word.

5. Sound in love A real man knows what love is, and how to show it to others. This is not the mushy-gushy feeling kind of love. This is Christlike love.

6. Sound in endurance A real man does not give up easily. His character is able to endure even when tested.

7. Seriousness This does not mean that a man cannot be funny. Rather, a man knows the proper time to be funny, but also knows when the time is not proper and is serious when he needs to be.

8. Soundness of speech A man guards his mouth. He uses his words to edify and exhort others, never to tear them down.

9. Set...an example I left this one until last because this is the one that I really want to expound upon. A man is a leader. This does not necessarily mean that he is in a position of leadership, but he always sets a good examples for those who watch him. Although not explicitly stated in Titus 2, a man also needs to be a leader with women. (Not necessarily all women in all circumstances, but as a general rule.)

I know some will disagree with me on this point, but in MY study of Scripture I have come to the firm conclusion that God meant for men to be the leaders.

This does not mean that men should "rule over" women. But men need to step up to the plate, to be the initiators and leaders, especially in relational and spiritual matters. This really is the best way, because it is the way God designed things to be."

Wow..It's been awhile but I was moved to get up and MOVE today...

2011-02-14T13:55:00.000-06:00

I came across this, this morning and it started my wheels to turning. I have been in a place of "stillness." For me that is not a comfortable place to be. I'm not speaking of the place of stillness where you meet God..No, something much different. Stillness lately has been more about loneliness, boredom, stale, blues and selfishness.

As you can see my last post was quite some time ago. I didn't feel I had anything to say of any real importance yet our life has been like a storm since the last post. Some have been about the rolling thunder while others have been about the beating of the rain, the whirling wind and the lightning strikes while other times have been more like the gentle quiet soft rain hitting the tin roof and washing my heart and commitment new.

During my idleness time this morning I came across this. It was written by Brene Brown. Wow...for what ever reason it awakened my spirit and my heart. I feel for whatever reason I am like a fresh spring flower peaking through the dirt as it is about to bloom for another season. I am awake and eager to start living, appreciating and making a difference in life again.

This quote deeply moved me...

"In a culture that tells us that being imperfect is synonymous with being inadequate, and that being vulnerable is being weak, it is so much easier to criticize than it is to contribute. "

And isn't that the truth!

Today...of course being Valentine's Day I am choosing to be a woman who looks for ways to contribute rather than taking the easy road of criticizing. It is amazing how quickly a negative and unkind word can spill from our mouths. (At least for me!) Our unmet expections can get us snagged in ungratefulness and a critical spirit. Today being a day which focuses of loving, serving and surprising....I choose to enter in with a happy "value added" heart.

Here are some ways I am practicing this today.

1. Woke up this morning and read a devotional on joy. I asked God to help me choose joy and I invited him to control my thoughts and mind. (Prov 17:22) AMP

2. Thought though the love languages of my husband and children. Planned to express this love in one meaningful way today. I am choosing to be intentional.

3. Called three friends whom I know will have a challenge today...all of them are struggling with broken hearts. One has just gone though a divorce, another is a widow of 8 years and another a young college woman who's heart has just been devastated over a recent breakup.

How about you?

I encourage you to find three ways to contribute life, love and hope today into the hearts of just one. Start simply friend...but simply start.

And Happy Valentine's Day!

A day at the zoo...

2009-03-18T22:55:00.008-05:00

Spent the entire day at the zoo then came home and cooked at birthday dinner in honor of my mom. It was a great dinner.. just as my previous blog entry said.. what a blessing to live so close to family. Our house was filled with laughter tonight. It was my husband, James, our son Blake and one of his long time friends Alex (14 year friendship) my mom & dad, my brother & of course Shay... The 20 year olds were racing the 7 year old at who could put together a Clifford the dog puzzle the fastest...they each had their own puzzle and the winner finished first... Something very demented when a 20 year old "thinks" they have accomplished something by beating a 7 year old at a puzzle ;-) Great times that I truly treasure.
The zoo was packed and hot. Not to mention most of the animals were not on display. I have been very disappointed in the Dallas zoo the last few times I have been. I think we will try FtWorth next time. But all in all a GREAT day...Great memories and fun time. Tomorrow is Mrs. Baird's Bakery Factory Tour. Should be fun.. I hope we get fresh hot bread samples!

A day on a farm (kind of)

2009-03-17T22:49:00.009-05:00

Our day at Owens Country Sausage Farm...

Ok, warning.... my blog this week will be about the absolute JOY of having an amazing niece. May I just say...we have had such a blast this week.. I am exhausted but full of joy!
I am so thankful to God that he moved us back to Dallas after a layoff. It was one of the darkest periods of our life...My husband was the sole provider, 9-11 had "just" happened and we celebrated our 17th anniversary on 9-10. We could not understand it at the time but now completely see the blessing.
We would have never moved "back home" had it not been for that period. We were with out a job for almost 1 year. My husband was working for a Dutch/German owned company. His job afforded us to be able to travel and spend the summer in Europe with our children. He traveled the world during that time and he LOVED his job. It was all over with no warning in a blink of the eye. Owners came in with no warning and cleaned out all upper management. After almost a year we decided for him to go back to work for a small mom & pop owned company in the Dallas area that he had worked for in the very beginning of his career (1978). He said one day..."lets go home". I thought.. it's not that easy.. we STILL need a job and we have a house that needs to sell. During that period we were in Austin and the bottom of the "tech" sector had fallen out. Every major company and even the small ones were laying off. Everyday we would hear thousands more were loosing their jobs. I thought... we will never sell our house. Ok, can I just say I was putting such limits on God. With in 1 week of us deciding to "go home" which is Plano / McKinney area, James had a job, and our house sold for exact asking price (we were told we were over pricing it), on the day we listed and they needed us out in 2 weeks. WOW!!! God can move so fast ;-).....Anyway, I now see that it took that nudge, ok PUSH to bring us back to our family. Since the move James' dad has lost his wife, my dad has had back surgery and my parents own property and need help with it, I have an awesome niece that stays ALOT with us. It is truly like a village raising and standing in the gap for our family. I am so thankful that we are here for our family and we get to be involved in the raising and nurturing of Shay. Not to mention we are exactly where we are supose to be as far a serving and worshiping.
Thank you Lord for being "all knowing" and loving us enough to not allow us to miss this time... God's timing is perfect even if we have to walk through some fire before getting to the blessing.

Our day at Frisco Fire Safety Town!

2009-03-16T17:52:00.002-05:00

Click on photo to enlarge
Today was an awesome day.. I have forgotten how exhausting kids can be ;-) We had a great time. She loved the miniature size town and having to obey all of the safety rules of the street. She (my niece Shay) LOVED LOVED LOVED the fire truck. Her favorite seat was the drivers of course. She kept asking "does Brandon do it this way"?
We made home made meatballs for spaghetti and will be "walking" to sonic for ice cream a little later. We "may" through in the park...not sure I can last and thank god for DVR since Dancing With The Stars comes on tonight.
Tomorrow is Owens Country Sausage tour and our church has an equestrian ministry on our grounds. One of the horses just had a colt yesterday... We are going to let Shay see it. It is sooo
cute and beautiful paint..not even sure if it is a he or she at this point.

Spring Break with my niece.. this is going to be an AWESOME week!!

2009-03-16T11:46:00.006-05:00

Now...let me help you all understand....this picture was taken at 11:00am....Shay (my 7 year old niece) and Gunner were NOT moving very fast...it is now 11:47 and she is biting at the bits to "go somewhere".
We are heading to the city of Frisco Safety Town to learn about severe weather. Really neat program for the kids.. check it out. http://www.friscotexas.gov/safetytown/Pages/default.aspx

Computer is finally back up and running

2009-03-13T21:48:00.003-05:00

Ok... so like I have to totally reload all of my programs. Thank God I store all of my important stuff on a server through the internet! I have not been able to finish my requirements for the award.. Please be sure to check out these other blogs...

http://orgjunkie.com/

http://www.titus2atthewell.com/

http://www.bloomwhereyouareaplanted.blogspot.com/

http://www.praiseandcoffee.blogspot.com/

http://www.kandilooandhercrew.blogspot.com/

http://www.leblanclife.com/

http://moneysavingmethods.blogspot.com/

I recieved an award....my first!!!!

2009-03-11T10:18:00.004-05:00

http://cheapbychoice.blogspot.com/ gave me the Kreative Award. The rules are:
List 7 things I love and gave the award to 7 blogs.
Things I love:
1. My two grown children still wrestling and laughing out loud with each other (all time favorite)their pictures are below....love you both!
2. Family cookouts with our family, mom & dad, Kevin, (brother), Echo (sister in law) and Shay (niece)
3. Beach vacations & diving
4. Motorcycle weekends hitting the back roads
5. My Friends ( I have the best!!!)
6. Margarita's at Blue Goose down on lower Greenville ave in Dallas
7. Spending $150 in groceries but only paying $40 aprx after coupons!!!
The 7 blogs I give the award to to follow a little later

Thoughts to ponder.....

2009-03-10T10:44:00.015-05:00

The discipline of daily devotion to God undergirds decisions.
Perseverance will always outlast persecution.
A person's beliefs hold the greatest potential for good or harm in life.
Wrong conduct is based on wrong beliefs.
What you believe is basis for conduct, character and destiny.
Whatever God authors, He will complete. Whatever God promises, He will fulfill, Whatever is committed to Him, God will keep.
It's better to pray to BE READY for opportunities when they come than to pray they come.
The counterfeit trinity is "me, myself and I."

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Monday's Journal

2009-03-09T08:07:00.009-05:00

Monday's Daybook.... March 9, 2009 @ 7:30am

Outside my window...Song birds singing, two blue jays wrestling on the grass

I am thinking... what will God show me today in my quiet time

I am thankful for...Grace, my family, friends, quiet mornings

From the learning rooms...double factors plus one....my nieces homework

From the kitchen... Bagel, COFFEE, tonight pork chops!!

I am wearing...fluffy bathrobe, woolly socks and a LARGE cup of coffee

I am creating...relationships that will last a life time

I am going...to walk the dogs at the park

I am reading...Beauty by The Book
Becoming A Biblically Beautiful Woman. A 7-week study of the five females from Proverbs
I am hoping...for Brandon to get on a fire department around DFW

I am hearing...God saying... "I am still in control"

Around the house...lazy dogs, quiet praise and worship, the sun peeking through the blinds

One of my favorite things...Quiet time with James on the back patio just before bed

A few plans for the rest of the week:visit mom, bowling with friends, mother /son (Blake 20 yrs)dinner out for catching up on his life, women's coffee at my house....

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Mondays Menu

2009-03-08T20:40:00.002-05:00

Monday - Pork Chops, Salad, Vegetable
Tuesday - Hamburger Helper, Texas Toast
Wed. - Stew, Cornbread
Thursday - Taco, Spanish Rice
Friday - Steak, Baked Potato
Saturday - Hot Dogs & Baked Beans (something quick... going bowling with friends)
Sunday - Roast, McCheese, Roasted Potato